Dare to Dream

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

~Ephesians 3:20-21

I'm not finished with this one yet, but I wanted to post it since it meshes so well with what I wanted to say.  Daring to dream is important.  We are all creative beings in God's image, and dreaming and creating are as natural as breathing.  Some of us seem to need permission to do this, though.  Give yourself permission!  My friend and fellow artist, Kasie Sallee has posted a challenge on her blog for Artist Moms, but anyone can join.  Commit to do something artistic everyday for a month.  Imagine the satisfaction of moving ahead little by little on your decorating, design or art projects.  For me, it's all about getting started...then I lose track of time and get totally immersed.  It's a joyous feeling.  I was happy to find that my son shares that feeling when he works on his art too, and I encouraged him to pursue for a vocation anything that can put him into that 'totally engaged satisfaction zone'.  I dared him to dream of a job that was rewarding first, because if you love what you're doing, you'll spend the time to do it well, and the money will come.

I have a lot of dreams...I dream of a more just world where a few people don't enrich themselves from the unreasonable or illegal labor of others; I dream of writing a book someday; I dream of publishing my artwork; I dream of retiring with my hubby to a little cabin in the mountains.  But I ask myself if I trust God with these dreams.  Have I put them in His hands with total trust that He will work them out (or not) in His time for His purposes?  I am rededicating myself to do just this today, and I encourage you to join me.  God knows the plans he has for me, and I trust that whatever He wills for my life will be the best for me.  I believe that He has given me these dreams, but if not, I pray that He shows me that too.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ~Jeremiah 29:11